FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a positive-working photosensitive resin composition
to be used for a surface protection film of a semiconductor element, particularly
a positive-working photosensitive resin composition with high sensitivity that gives
a pattern of high resolution and a high film thickness retention rate [(film thickness
after development)/(film thickness before development) × 100] even in an increased
film thickness. In addition, the present invention relates to a semiconductor device
obtainable by using said positive-working photosensitive resin composition and a method
for manufacturing a semiconductor device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A polyimide resin having high heat resistance, excellent electrical and mechanical
properties and the like was conventionally used for a surface protection film or an
interlayer insulating film of a semiconductor element. However, a resin of further
improved performance has been lately required to satisfy the requirement for marked
improvement in resistance against repeated heat or thermal shock due to higher integration
and larger scale of a semiconductor element, thinning and down-sizing of a package,
shift to surface mounting by reflow of solder and the like.
[0003] On the other hand, a technology to give photosensitivity to a polyimide resin itself
has lately drawn attention, bringing about, for instance, a photosensitive polyimide
resin represented by the formula (7) below.

[0004] Using the above polyimide resin poses a problem in safety and handling due to necessity
of spraying a solvent such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in development, while a part
of procedures to make a pattern can be simplified resulting in shorter process and
improved yield. Therefore, a positive-working photosensitive resin that can be developed
by an aqueous solution of an alkali has been lately exploited. For instance, a positive-working
photosensitive resin comprising a polybenzoxazole precursor as a base polymer and
a diazoquinone compound as a photosensitive material has been disclosed in
JP-B-1-46862. This resin has high heat resistance, superior electrical properties and fine processability,
and a potential of resin not only for wafer coating but also for interlayer insulation.
With regard to a development mechanism of this positive-working photosensitive resin,
a diazoquinone compound in an exposed area is subjected to a chemical change to become
soluble in an aqueous solution of an alkali, while the diazoquinone compound in an
unexposed area remains insoluble in the aqueous solution of the alkali. Utilizing
the difference of solubility between the exposed area and the unexposed area, a pattern
of coating film only in the unexposed area can be obtained by dissolving and removing
the resin in the exposed area.
[0005] In an actual use of these photosensitive resins, sensitivity of the photosensitive
resins is especially of significance. Low sensitivity requires a longer exposure time
resulting in a lower throughput. On the other hand, if, for instance, a base polymer
with a lower molecular weight is used in an attempt to improve sensitivity of a photosensitive
resin, problems such as failing to obtain a desired film thickness or collapse of
a pattern shape arise due to increased loss of film thickness in an unexposed area
during development. Thus, development of a photosensitive resin of high sensitivity
having such properties as described above has been greatly desired. In addition, since
a thickness of resin film tends to increase from conventional about 5 to 7 µm to about
10 to 20 µm, a photosensitive resin with high sensitivity even in an increased thickness
has been expected to be developed.
[0006] JP 5-297582 describes a positive type photoresist composition comprising an alkali-soluble resin
and a 1,2-naphthoquinone diazide-5- (and/or -4-) sulfonate of a specific polyhydroxy
compound.
[0007] JP-A-2000-275833 discloses a positive-working photosensitive resin composition comprising a polyamide
; a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound or a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-5-sulfonate
ester compound of a phenolic compound ; and a phenolic compound.
DISCLOSURES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a positive-working photosensitive
resin composition with high sensitivity that gives a pattern having a high resolution
and a high film thickness retention rate [(film thickness after development)/(film
thickness before development) × 100]. Further, the present invention provides a positive-working
photosensitive resin composition with high sensitivity that is free from the above
problems even with an increased film thickness.
[0009] The present invention relates to a positive-working photosensitive resin composition
comprising 100 parts by weight of a polyamide (A) represented by the general formula
(1):

[wherein, X is a cyclic compound group of 4 valences that has a hydroxyl group or
a group -O-Org wherein Org is an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; Y is a
cyclic compound group of 2 to 4 valences that may have a hydroxyl group, a group -O-Org
wherein Org is an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a carboxyl group or a
group -((O)O-Org wherein Org is an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms;
[0010] Z is:

(wherein, each of R
1 and R
2 is a bivalent organic group; each of R
3 and R
4 is a univalent organic group); a and b each shows a molar fraction; a + b = 100%
by mole; a = 60 to 100% by mole; and b = 0 to 40% by mole)]; and 1 to 50 parts by
weight of a photosensitive material (B), that is a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-5-sulfonate
ester compound or a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound of a phenol
compound having a skeletal structure represented by formula (5) :

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the polyamide (A) is represented by the general formula
(3):

[wherein, X is a tetravalent cyclic compound group; Y is a divalent cyclic compound
group; Z is:

(wherein, each of R
1 and R
2 is a bivalent organic group; each of R
3 and R
4 is a univalent organic group); E is an aliphatic group or a cyclic compound group
having at least one group of an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group; a and b each shows
a molar fraction; a + b = 100% by mole; a = 60 to 100% by mole; b = 0 to 40% by mole;
n = 2 to 500)]. In one embodiment, the positive-working photosensitive resin composition
further comprises 1 to 30 parts by weight of a phenol compound (C) represented by
the general formula (6) based on 100 parts by weight of the polyamide (A) represented
by the general formula (1) or (3) in the above positive-working photosensitive resin
composition:

(wherein, each of R
11, R
12, R
13 and R
14 is selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group
and a cycloalkyl group, and may be the same or different from each other; p is an
integer of 0 to 3; q is an integer of 0 to 3; p + q ≧ 2; R
15 is selected from a single bond, a methylene group, an alkylene group, an oxygen atom,
a carbonyl group a carbonyl ether group, a sulfur atom, a sulfonyl group and an azo
group.)
[0012] Further preferred embodiments of the above positive-working photosensitive resin
composition are set forth in claims 4 to 9.
[0013] In addition, the present application relates to a semiconductor device obtainable
by using the above positive-working photosensitive resin composition and to a method
for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of (i) applying the
above positive-working photosensitive resin composition on a semiconductor element,
and (ii) prebaking, exposing, developing and heating the positive-working photosensitive
resin composition to cause dehydration and cyclization, wherein the positive-working
photosensitive resin composition is applied so as to obtain a film thickness of 0.1
to 30 µm after dehydration and cyclization.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The polyamide resin represented by the general formula (1) is obtained by reacting
a diamine or a bis(aminophenol) or the like having a structure of X, a silicone-diamine
having a structure of Z which is added if necessary, and a tetracarboxylic anhydride,
a dicarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic dichloride, a dicarboxylic acid derivative or
the like having a structure of Y. Incidentally, in the case of a dicarboxylic acid,
an activated ester-type derivative of dicarboxylic acid reacted in advance with 1-hydroxy-1,2,3-benzotriazole
or the like may be used so as to enhance a reaction yield and the like. This polyamide
resin is dehydrated and cyclized by heating at about 300 to 400°C to obtain a heat-resistant
resin in a form of a polyamide or a polybenzoxazole or a copolymer of both polymers.
[0015] X of the polyamide resin represented by the general formula (1) of the present invention
is, for instance:

(wherein, A is -CH
2-, -C(CH
3)
2-, -O-, -S-, -SO
2-, -CO-, -NHCO-, -C(CF
3)
2- or a single bond), but is not limited to these groups.
[0016] Particularly preferable X among these is selected from:

and two or more kinds of these may be used.
[0017] Y of the polyamide resin represented by the general formula (1) is, for instance:

(wherein, A is -CH
2-, -C(CH
3)
2-, -O-, -S-, -SO
2-, -CO-, -NHCO-, -C(CF
3)
2- or a single bond; R
16 is selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl ester
group and a halogen atom, and may be the same or different from each other; r is an
integer of 0 to 2), but is not limited to these groups.
[0019] From the viewpoint of storage stability of the positive-working photosensitive resin
composition of the present invention, after the polyamide resin is synthesized by
reacting a diamine or a bis(aminophenol) or the like having a structure of X, a silicone-diamine
having a structure of Z which is added if necessary and a tetracarboxylic anhydride,
a dicarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic dichloride, a dicarboxylic acid derivative or
the like having a structure of Y, an amino group located at a terminal thereof is
preferably capped with an acid anhydride containing an aliphatic group or a cyclic
compound group having at least one group of an alkenyl group and an alkynyl group.
[0021] Particularly preferable E among these is selected from:

and two or more kinds of these may be used.
[0023] The fraction b of Z of the general formula (1) to be used when particularly superior
adhesion to a substrate such as a silicon wafer is required, is at most 40% by mole.
It is not preferable to exceed 40% by mole, because solubility of the resin is badly
decreased to generate a development residue (scum) making a pattern processing infeasible.
Incidentally, each of X, Y and Z to be used may be of one kind or a mixture of two
or more kinds thereof.
[0024] The photosensitive material (B) to be used in the present invention is a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-5-sulfonate
ester compound or a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound of a phenol
compound having a skeletal structure represented by formula (5).
[0025] In spite of some effect to increase sensitivity obtained by using the above similar
substance, further higher sensitivity has been required in a recent shift of a coating
film toward a thicker film. As a result of studying various photosensitive materials
considering these situations, it has been found that a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-5-sulfonate
ester compound or a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound of a phenol
compound having a skeletal structure represented by formula (5) brings about high
sensitivity.
[0026] With regard to a degree of esterification of a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-5-sulfonate
ester compound or a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound of a phenol
compound having a skeletal structure represented by formula (5) to be used in the
present invention, two or more moles of a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-5-sulfonic
acid or a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonic acid are preferably esterified based
on one mole of the phenol compound. Three or more moles are more preferably esterified.
[0027] An amount of the photosensitive material (B) to be added to the polyamide (A) in
the present invention is 1 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the
polyamide. An amount to be added less than the lower limit impairs patterning ability
of a resin, while an amount to be added more than the upper limit is not preferable
because of much decreased sensitivity.
[0028] A dihydropyridine derivative can be added to the positive-working photosensitive
resin composition of the present invention so as to improve photosensitivity characteristics
if necessary. The dihydropyridine derivative includes, for instance, 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-diacetyl-4-(2'-nitrophenyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine,
4-(2'-nitrophenyl) -2,6-dimethyl-3,5-dicarboethoxy-1,4-dihydropyridine and 4-(2',4'-dinitrophenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-dicarbomethoxy-1,4-dihydropyridine.
[0030] While a photosensitive material of larger molecular size can exert an ability to
prevent dissolving in a wide range, there may be a case where a development residue
(scum) is left at a pattern corner in some combination with the base resin, because
solubility of the photosensitive material of larger molecular size chemically changed
by exposure is somewhat lower than that of the photosensitive material of smaller
molecular size. In such a case, addition of a phenol compound of smaller molecular
size can enhance overall solubility of the photosensitive material to a developing
solution resulting in higher resolution and sensitivity.
[0032] An amount of the phenol compound (C) to be added is preferably 1 to 30 parts by weight
based on 100 parts by weight of the polyamide represented by the general formula (1)
or (3). When an amount of the phenol compound to be added exceeds the upper limit,
there is a possibility of a serious decrease of a film thickness retention rate as
well as deposition during refrigerated storage. When the amount to be added is less
than the lower limit, there is a possibility of a decrease of sensitivity in development.
[0033] Additives such as a leveling agent and a silane coupling agent can be added to the
positive-working photosensitive resin composition of the present invention if necessary.
[0034] These agents are dissolved in a solvent and used in a state of varnish in the present
invention. The solvent includes N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, γ-butyrolactone, N,N-dimethylacetamide,
dimethyl sulfoxide, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether,
diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol
monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl
lactate, butyl lactate, methyl-1,3-butylene glycol acetate, 1,3-butylene glycol-3-monomethyl
ether, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, methyl-3-methoxy propionate and the like,
and may be used solely or in a mixture.
[0035] With regard to a method for using the positive-working photosensitive resin composition
of the present invention, first, said composition is applied to a suitable base material,
for instance, a silicon wafer, a ceramic substrate and an aluminum substrate. An amount
to be coated is determined so that a final thickness of coating film after curing
becomes 0.1 to 30 µm in the case of a semiconductor device. Film thickness of 0.1
µm or less makes it difficult to fully exert a function as a surface protection film
for a semiconductor element, and the thickness of 30 µm or more not only makes it
difficult to obtain a finely processed pattern but to lower throughput due to a prolonged
processing time. A method for applying includes rotary film using a spinner, spray
film using a spray coater, dipping, printing and roll film and the like.
[0036] Secondly, the coating film is dried by prebaking at 60 to 130°C and then an actinic
ray is irradiated in a desired pattern. An actinic ray to be used includes X-ray,
electron beam, ultraviolet ray, visible ray and the like, and has preferably a wavelength
of 200 to 500 nm.
[0037] Thirdly, an exposed area is removed by dissolving with a developing solution to obtain
a relief pattern. A developing solution to be suitably used includes inorganic alkalis
such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate,
sodium metasilicate and aqueous ammonia, primary amines such as ethylamine and n-propylamine,
secondary amines such as diethylamine and di-n-propylamine, tertiary amines such as
triethylamine and methyldiethylamine, alcohol amines such as dimethyl ethanol amine
and triethanol amine, an aqueous solution of alkalis such as a quaternary ammonium
salt such as tetramethylammonium hydroxide and tetraethylammonium hydroxide and an
aqueous solution obtained by adding a suitable amount of a water-soluble organic solvent
such as methanol and ethanol or a surfactant to the above aqueous solution of alkalis.
As a method for developing, those such as spraying, paddling, dipping and supersonic
methods can be used.
[0038] Finally, a relief pattern formed by development is rinsed. Distilled water is used
for rinsing. An oxazole ring and/or an imide ring are then formed by a heat treatment
to obtain a final pattern of stout heat resistance.
[0039] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition of the present invention is useful
not only for a semiconductor, but also for an interlayer insulation for a multilayered
circuit, a cover coating for a flexible cupperclad plate, a solder resist film, a
liquid crystal alignment layer and the like. Known processing steps can be used for
other production steps of a semiconductor.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0040] The present invention will be specifically described by Examples hereinbelow.
Example 1
* Synthesis of a polyamide
[0041] A dicarboxylic acid derivative of 360.4 g (0.9 mol) obtained by reacting 0.9 mol
of terephthalic acid, 0.1 mol of isophthalic acid and 2 mol of 1-hydroxy-1,2,3-benzotriazole,
and 366.3 g (1 mol) of hexafluoro-2,2-bis(3-amino-4-hydroxy phenyl)propane were charged
in a four-necked separable flask equipped with a thermometer, an agitator, a feed
inlet and a dry nitrogen gas inlet tube, and added and dissolved with 3,000 g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.
The thus obtained mixture was then reacted at 75°C in an oil bath for 12 hours.
[0042] The above mixture was then added with 32.8 g (0.2 mol) of 5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic
anhydride dissolved in 500 g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and reacted for another 12
hours while stirring. After filtration, the reaction mixture was added to a solution
of water/methanol of 3/1. A cake obtained by filtering a deposit was rinsed sufficiently
with water and then dried under vacuum to obtain a desired polyamide (PA-1) represented
by the general formula (1), wherein, X was represented by the formula X-1 below, Y
was a mixture of the formulae Y-1 and Y-2 below, a = 100, and b = 0.
* Preparation of a positive-working photosensitive resin composition
[0043] 100g of the synthesized polyamide (PA-1) and 15 g of a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate
ester compound having a structure represented by the formula (Q-1) below were dissolved
in 200 g of γ-butyrolactone and then filtrated using a 0.2 µm filter made of a fluorocarbon
resin to obtain a positive-working photosensitive resin composition.
* Evaluation of characteristics
[0044] The obtained positive-working photosensitive resin composition was applied on a silicon
wafer using a spincoater and then dried at 120°C for 4 minutes using a hotplate to
obtain a coating film of about 16 µm thickness. The thus obtained coating film was
exposed through a mask made by TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD. (Test Chart No. 1: patterns
for remaining and patterns for removing of 0.88 to 50 µm width were depicted) using
an i-line stepper NSR-4425i made by Nicon Corp., with various exposure amount. The
silicon wafer was rinsed with pure water for 30 seconds after an exposed area of the
composition was dissolved and removed by dipping in a 2.38% aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium
hydroxide for 80 seconds. As a result, it was confirmed that a pattern had been formed
in an exposed area at the exposure amount of 620 mJ/cm
2 (sensitivity was 620 mJ/cm
2). A film thickness retention rate [(film thickness after development)/(film thickness
before development) × 100] was 88.1% and a resolution was 8 µm which were satisfactory
values. The coating film was then cured in a clean oven at 150°C/30 minutes and 320°C/30
minutes under a condition of an oxygen concentration of 1,000 ppm or less. A film
thickness after curing was 10.8 µm.
Example 2
[0045] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that an amount of the photosensitive material (Q-1) added in Example
1 was changed to 10 g, and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 3
[0046] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that an amount of the photosensitive material (Q-1) added in Example
1 was changed to 20 g, and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 4
[0047] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that the photosensitive material (Q-1) in Example 1 was replaced
with (Q-2), and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 5
[0048] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that the photosensitive material (Q-1) in Example 1 was replaced
with (Q-3), and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 6
[0049] A polyamide (PA-2) represented by the general formula (1) wherein X was represented
by the formula X-1 below; Y was represented by the formula Y-3 below; a = 100, and
b = 0, was synthesized by using 1 mol of diphenylether-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid instead
of 0.9 mol of terephthalic acid and 0.1 mol of isophthalic acid in the polyamide synthesis
in Example 1. A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly
as in Example 1 except the above, and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 7
[0050] A polyamide (PA-3) represented by the general formula (1), wherein X was represented
by the formula X-2 below; Y was represented by the formula Y-3 below; a = 100, and
b = 0, was synthesized by using 1 mol of 3,3'-diamino-4,4'-dihydroxyphenylsulfone
instead of hexafluoro-2,2-bis (3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane. A positive-working
photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in Example 1 except the
above, and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 8
[0051] A mixture of 17.1 g (0.055 mol) of 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride, 13.0 g (0.110 mol)
of 2-methyl-2-propanol and 10.9 g (0.138 mol) of pyridine were charged in a four-necked
separable flask equipped with a thermometer, an agitator, a feed inlet and a dry nitrogen
gas inlet tube, and added and dissolved with 150 g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. After
14.9 g (0.110 mol) of 1-hydroxy-1,2,3-benzotriazole and 30 g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
were dropped in the reacted solution, 22.7 g (0.110 mol) of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
and 50 g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were dropped in the above solution and reacted
at a room temperature overnight.
[0052] Subsequently, 27.1 g (0.055 mol) of a dicarboxylic acid derivative (activated ester)
obtained by reacting 1 mol of diphenylether-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid and 2 mol of 1-hydroxy-1,2,3-benzotriazole,
44.8 g (0.122 mol) of hexafluoro-2,2-bis(3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane and 70 g
of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were added to the above reacted solution and stirred at
a room temperature for 2 hours. Subsequently, the above mixture was reacted similarly
as in Example 1 except that the mixture was reacted at 75°C for 12 hours using an
oil bath to synthesize a polyamide resin (PA-4) represented by the general formula
(1), wherein X was represented by the formula X-1 below; Y was represented by the
formulae Y-3 and Y-4 below. A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was
obtained similarly as in Example 1 except the above, and evaluated similarly as in
Example 1.
Example 9
[0053] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that the photosensitive material (Q-1) in Example 1 was replaced
with (Q-4), and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 10 (Reference example)
[0054] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that the 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound
(Q-1) in Example 1 was replaced with (Q-5), and evaluated similarly as in Example
1.
Example 11 (Reference example)
[0055] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 6 except that the 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound
(Q-1) in Example 6 was replaced with (Q-5), and evaluated similarly as in Example
1.
Example 12 (Reference example)
[0056] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that the photosensitive material (Q-1) in Example 1 was replaced
with (Q-6), and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Comparative Example 1
[0057] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that the photosensitive material (Q-1) in Example 1 was replaced
with (Q-7), and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Comparative Example 2
[0058] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 1 except that the photosensitive material (Q-1) in Example 1 was replaced
with (Q-8), and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 13
[0059] A mixture of 100 g of the polyamide resin (PA-1) used in Example 1, 15 g of a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate
ester compound having a structure represented by the formula (Q-1) below and further
15 g of a phenol (P-1) having the structure below was dissolved in 200 g of γ-butyrolactone,
and then filtrated with a 0.2 µm filter made of a fluorocarbon resin to obtain a positive-working
photosensitive resin composition. The composition was evaluated similarly as in Example
1.
Example 14
[0060] A mixture of 100 g of the polyamide resin (PA-2) used in Example 6, 15 g of a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate
ester compound having a structure represented by the formula (Q-1) below and further
15 g of a phenol (P-1) having the structure below was dissolved in 200 g of γ-butyrolactone,
and then filtrated with a 0.2 µm filter made of a fluorocarbon resin to obtain a positive-working
photosensitive resin composition. The composition was evaluated similarly as in Example
1.
Example 15
[0061] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 13 except that the phenol compound (P-1) in Example 13 was replaced with (P-2),
and evaluated similarly as in Example 1.
Example 16 (Reference example)
[0062] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 13 except that the 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound
(Q-1) in Example 13 was replaced with (Q-5), and evaluated similarly as in Example
1.
Example 17 (Reference example)
[0063] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 14 except that the 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound
(Q-1) in Example 14 was replaced with (Q-5), and evaluated similarly as in Example
1.
Example 18 (Reference example)
[0064] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 15 except that the 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound
(Q-1) in Example 15 was replaced with (Q-5), and evaluated similarly as in Example
1.
Comparative Example 3
[0065] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 13 except that the 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound
(Q-1) in Example 13 was replaced with (Q-7), and evaluated similarly as in Example
1.
Comparative Example 4
[0066] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition was obtained similarly as in
Example 13 except that the 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound
(Q-1) in Example 13 was replaced with (Q-8), and evaluated similarly as in Example
1.

wherein, Q is a hydrogen atom or:

and 90% of total Q is :

wherein, Q is a hydrogen atom or:

and 100% of total Q is :

wherein, Q is a hydrogen atom or:

and 75% of total Q is :

wherein, Q is a hydrogen atom or:

and 90% of total Q is :

wherein, Q is a hydrogen atom or:

and 90% of total Q is :

wherein, Q is a hydrogen atom or:

and 90% of total Q is :

wherein, Q is a hydrogen atom or:

and 67% of total Q is :

wherein, Q is a hydrogen atom or:

and 70% of total Q is :

[0067] Results of the evaluation in Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 are
shown in Table 1, and results of the evaluation in Examples 13 to 18 and Comparative
Examples 3 to 4 are shown in Table 2.
Table 1
| |
Amount of Component |
Characteristics |
| |
Polyamide (PA) 100 g |
Photosensitive Material (Q) (g) |
Sensitivity (mJ/cm2) |
Film Thickness Retention Rate˙ (%) |
Resolution (µm) |
| |
|
Amine |
Acid |
| Example 1 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-1 15 |
620 |
88.1 |
8 |
| Example 2 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-1 10 |
570 |
85.3 |
9 |
| Example 3 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-1 20 |
660 |
91.8 |
8 |
| Example 4 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-2 15 |
630 |
89.7 |
8 |
| Example 5 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-3 15 |
600 |
86.9 |
9 |
| Example 6 |
PA-2 |
X-1 |
Y-3 |
Q-1 15 |
630 |
87.3 |
8 |
| Example 7 |
PA-3 |
X-2 |
Y-3 |
Q-1 15 |
590 |
86.9 |
8 |
| Example 8 |
PA-4 |
X-1 |
Y-3, Y-4 |
Q-1 15 |
630 |
87.7 |
8 |
| Example 9 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-4 15 |
850 |
87.7 |
7 |
| Example 10+ |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-5 15 |
690 |
85.2 |
12 |
| Example 11+ |
PA-2 |
X-1 |
Y-3 |
Q-5 15 |
710 |
85.9 |
10 |
| Example 12+ |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-6 15 |
880 |
85.9 |
10 |
| Comparative Example 1 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-7 15 |
810 |
83.2 |
13 |
| Comparative Example 2 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-8 15 |
790 |
84.3 |
12 |
* Film thickness retention rate: (Film thickness after development)/(Film thickness
before development) × 100
+ Reference examples, not part of the present invention |
Table 2
| |
Amount of Component |
Characteristics |
| |
Polyamide (PA) 100 g |
Photosensitive Material (Q) (g) |
phenol Compound (P) (g) |
Sensitivity (mJ / cm2) |
Film Thickness Retention Rate* (%) |
Resolution (µm) |
| |
|
Amine |
Acid |
| Example 13 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-1 15 |
P-1 15 |
480 |
82.2 |
3 |
| Example 14 |
PA-2 |
X-1 |
Y-3 |
Q-1 15 |
P-1 15 |
450 |
82.9 |
3 |
| Example 15 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-1 15 |
P-2 15 |
440 |
82.6 |
4 |
| Example 16+ |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-5 15 |
P-1 15 |
550 |
81.8 |
6 |
| Example 17+ |
PA-2 |
X-1 |
Y-3 |
Q-5 15 |
P-1 15 |
540 |
80.1 |
6 |
| Example 18+ |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-5 15 |
P-2 15 |
520 |
79.7 |
6 |
| Comparative Example 3 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-7 15 |
P-1 15 |
590 |
81.5 |
7 |
| Comparative Example 4 |
PA-1 |
X-1 |
Y-1, Y-2 |
Q-8 15 |
P-1 15 |
570 |
81.7 |
7 |
* Film thickness retention rate: (Film thickness after development)/(Film thickness
before development) × 100
+ Reference examples, not part of the present invention |
Example 19
[0068] The positive-working photosensitive resin composition used in Example 1 was applied
on a silicon wafer using a spincoater, and then dried at 90°C for 30 minutes in a
box-type oven to obtain a coating film of about 50 µm thickness. The thus obtained
coating film was exposed with an exposure amount of 3,000 mJ through a mask made by
TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD. (Test Chart No. 1: patterns for remaining and patterns for
removing of 0.88 to 50 µm width were depicted) using Maskaligner PLA-600F made by
CANON Inc. After the coating film in the exposed area was dissolved and removed by
dipping in a 2.38% aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide for 150 seconds,
the silicon wafer was then rinsed with pure water for 30 seconds. As a result, it
was confirmed that a pattern of 40 µm had been formed. A film thickness retention
rate [(film thickness after development)/(film thickness before development) × 100]
was 80.4%. The coating film was then cured in a clean oven at 150°C/30 minutes and
320°C/30 minutes under a condition of an oxygen concentration of 1,000 ppm or less.
Film thickness after curing was 28.8 µm.
Comparative Example 5
[0069] The positive-working photosensitive resin composition used in Example 1 was applied
on a silicon wafer using a spincoater, and then dried at 90°C for 30 minutes in a
box-type oven to obtain a film of about 50 µm thickness. The thus obtained film was
exposed with an exposure amount of 3,000 mJ through a mask made by TOPPAN PRINTING
CO., LTD. (Test Chart No. 1: patterns for remaining and patterns for removing of 0.88
to 50 µm width were depicted) using Maskaligner PLA-600F made by CANON Inc. It took
as long as 170 seconds to remove the coating film of a pattern using a 2.38% aqueous
solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide. Similarly, the silicon wafer was rinsed
with pure water for 30 seconds. As a result, it was confirmed that a pattern of 60
µm had been formed. A film thickness retention rate [(film thickness after development)/(film
thickness before development) × 100] was 72.1%. The coating film was then cured in
a clean oven at 150°C/30 minutes and 320°C/30 minutes under a condition of an oxygen
concentration of 1,000 ppm or less. Film thickness after curing was 25.2 µm, which
was a little thinner than that in Example 19.
[0070] As apparent from the Examples above, according to the present invention, a positive-working
photosensitive resin composition with high sensitivity that can form a pattern of
a high resolution and a high film thickness retention rate even in an increased film
thickness while keeping conventional characteristics, can be obtained.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0071] A positive-working photosensitive resin composition of the present invention is useful
not only for a semiconductor, but also for an interlayer insulation for a multilayered
circuit, a cover coating for a flexible cupperclad plate, a solder resist film, a
liquid crystal alignment layer and the like.
1. A positive-working photosensitive resin composition
characterized by comprising 100 parts by weight of a polyamide (A) represented by the general formula
(1):

[wherein, X is a cyclic compound group of 4 valences that has a hydroxyl group or
a group -O-Org wherein Org is an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; Y is a
cyclic compound group of 2 to 4 valences that may have a hydroxyl group, a group -O-Org
wherein Org is an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a carboxyl group or a
group -C(O)O-Org wherein Org is an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and
Z is:

(wherein, each of R
1 and R
2 is a bivalent organic group; each of R
3 and R
4 is a univalent organic group); a and b each shows a molar fraction; a + b = 100%
by mole; a = 60 to 100% by mole; b = 0 to 40% by mole)];
and 1 to 50 parts by weight of a photosensitive material (B), that is, a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-5-sulfonate
ester compound or a 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate ester compound of a phenol
compound having a skeletal structure represented by formula (5):
2. The positive-working photosensitive resin composition according to claim 1, wherein
a polyamide (A) is represented by the general formula (3):

[wherein, X is a tetravalent cyclic compound group; Y is a divalent cyclic compound
group; Z is:

(wherein, each of R
1 and R
2 is a bivalent organic group; each of R
3 and R
4 is a univalent organic group); E is an aliphatic group or a cyclic compound group
having at least one group of an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group; a and b each shows
a molar fraction; a + b = 100% by mole; a = 60 to 100% by mole; b = 0 to 40% by mole;
n = 2 to 500)].
3. The positive-working photosensitive resin composition according to claim 1 or 2 further
comprising 1 to 30 parts by weight of a phenol compound (C) represented by the general
formula (6):

(wherein, each of R
11, R
12, R
13 and R
14 is selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group
and a cycloalkyl group, and may be the same or different from each other; p is an
integer of 0 to 3; q is an integer of 0 to 3; p + q ≥ 2; R
15 is selected from a single bond, a methylene group, an alkylene group, an oxygen atom,
a carbonyl group, a carbonyl ether group, a sulfur atom, a sulfonyl group and an azo
group) based on 100 parts by weight of a polyamide (A) represented by the general
formula (1) or the general formula (3).
6. The positive-working photosensitive resin composition according to claim 2, wherein
Y in a polyamide represented by the general formula (3) is selected from the groups
below:

(wherein, each of R
16 is selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl ester
group and a halogen atom, and may be the same or different from each other; r is an
integer of 0 to 2).
7. The positive-working photosensitive resin composition according to claim 1, wherein
a terminal group of a polyamide represented by the general formula (1) is bonded with
an aliphatic group or a cyclic compound group having at least one group of an alkenyl
group or an alkynyl group.
8. The positive-working photosensitive resin composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
a terminal group of a polyamide represented by the general formula (1) or the general
formula (3) is selected from the groups below:
9. The positive-working photosensitive resin composition according to claim 3, wherein
a terminal group of a polyamide represented by the general formula (1) or the general
formula (3) is selected from the groups below.
10. A semiconductor device obtainable by using the positive-working photosensitive resin
composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
11. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps:
(i) applying the positive-working photosensitive resin composition according to any
one of claims 1 to 3 on a semiconductor element, and
(ii) prebaking, exposing, developing and heating the positive-working photosensitive
resin composition to cause dehydration and cyclization,
wherein the positive-working photosensitive resin composition is applied so as to
obtain a film thickness of 0.1 to 30 µm after dehydration and cyclization.
1. Positiv arbeitende, lichtempfindliche Harzzusammensetzung,
dadurch charakterisiert, dass sie 100 Gewichtsteile eines Polyamids (A) der allgemeinen Formel
(1):

[wobei X eine cyclische Verbindungsgruppe mit vier Valenzen ist, die eine Hydroxylgruppe
oder eine Gruppe -O-Org aufweist, wobei Org eine organische Gruppe mit 1 bis 20 Kohlenstoffatomen
ist, Y eine cyclische Verbindungsgruppe mit 2 bis 4 Valenzen ist, die eine Hydroxylgruppe,
eine Gruppe -O-Org, wobei Org eine organische Gruppe mit 1 bis 20 Kohlenstoffatomen
ist, eine Carboxylgruppe oder eine Gruppe -C(O)O-Org, wobei Org eine organische Gruppe
mit 1 bis 20 Kohlenstoffatomen ist, aufweisen kann, und Z:

ist (wobei jede der Gruppen R
1 und R
2 eine bivalente organische Gruppe ist, jede der Gruppen R
3 und R
4 eine monovalente organische Gruppe ist), a und b jeweils einen Molenbruch angeben,
a + b = 100 Mol-%, a = 60 bis 100 Mol-%, b = 0 bis 40 Mol-%)],
und 1 bis 50 Gewichtsteile eines lichtempfindlichen Materials (B) umfasst, das eine
1,2-Naphthochinon-2-diazid-5-sulfonatester-Verbindung oder eine 1,2-Naphthochinon-2-diazid-4-sulfonatester-Verbindung
einer Phenolverbindung mit einer Skelettstruktur der Formel (5):

ist.
2. Positiv arbeitende, lichtempfindliche Harzzusammensetzung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei
ein Polyamid (A) durch die allgemeine Formel (3):

repräsentiert wird [wobei X eine tetravalente cyclische Verbindungsgruppe ist, Y eine
divalente cyclische Verbindungsgruppe ist, Z:

ist (wobei jede der Gruppe R
1 und R
2 eine bivalente Gruppe ist, jede der Gruppen R
3 und R
4 eine monovalente organische Gruppe ist), E eine aliphatische Gruppe oder eine cyclische
Verbindungsgruppe, die mindestens eine Gruppe aus einer Alkenylgruppe oder einer Alkinylgruppe
aufweist, ist, a und b jeweils einen Molenbruch angeben, a + b = 100 Mol-%, a = 60
bis 100 Mol-%, b = 0 bis 40 Mol-%, n = 2 bis 500)].
3. Positiv arbeitende, lichtempfindliche Harzzusammensetzung gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2,
die ferner 1 bis 30 Gewichtsteile einer Phenol-Verbindung (C) der allgemeinen Formel
(6):

(wobei jede der Gruppen R
11, R
12, R
13 und R
14 aus einem Wasserstoffatom, einem Halogenatom, einer Alkylgruppe, einer Alkoxygruppe
und einer Cycloalkylgruppe ausgewählt wird und gleich oder voneinander verschieden
sein kann, p eine ganze Zahl von 0 bis 3 ist, q eine ganze Zahl von 0 bis 3 ist, p
+ q ≥ 2, R
15 aus einer Einfachbindung, einer Methylengruppe, einer Alkylengruppe, einem Sauerstoffatom,
einer Carbonylgruppe, einer Carbonylethergruppe, einem Schwefelatom, einer Sulfonylgruppe
und einer Azogruppe ausgewählt wird), basierend auf 100 Gewichtsteilen eines Polyamids
(A) der allgemeinen Formel (1) oder der allgemeinen Formel (3), umfasst.
6. Positiv arbeitende, lichtempfindliche Harzzusammensetzung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei
Y in einem Polyamid der allgemeinen Formel (3) aus den nachstehenden Gruppen ausgewählt
wird:

(wobei R
16 jeweils aus einem Wasserstoffatom, einer Alkylgruppe, einer Alkoxygruppe, einer Alkylestergruppe
und einem Halogenatom ausgewählt wird und gleich oder voneinander verschieden sein
kann, r eine ganze Zahl von 0 bis 2 ist).
7. Positiv arbeitende, lichtempfindliche Harzzusammensetzung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei
eine terminale Gruppe eines Polyamids der allgemeinen Formel (1) mit einer aliphatischen
Gruppe oder einer cyclischen Verbindungsgruppe, die mindestens eine Gruppe aus einer
Alkenylgruppe oder einer Alkinylgruppe aufweist, gebunden ist.
8. Positiv arbeitende, lichtempfindliche Harzzusammensetzung gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2,
wobei eine terminale Gruppe eines Polyamids der allgemeinen Formel (1) oder der allgemeinen
Formel (3) aus den nachstehenden Gruppen ausgewählt wird:
9. Positiv arbeitende, lichtempfindliche Harzzusammensetzung gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei
eine terminale Gruppe eines Polyamids der allgemeinen Formel (1) oder der allgemeinen
Formel (3) aus den nachstehenden Gruppen ausgewählt wird:
10. Halbleitervorrichtung, die unter Verwendung der positiv arbeitenden, lichtempfindlichen
Harzzusammensetzung gemäß einem jeglichen der Ansprüche 1 bis 3 erhältlich ist.
11. Verfahren zum Herstellen einer Halbleitervorrichtung, umfassend die Schritte:
(i) Aufbringen der positiv arbeitenden, lichtempfindlichen Harzzusammensetzung gemäß
einem jeglichen der Ansprüche 1 bis 3 auf ein Halbleiterelement und
(ii) Vortempern, Exponieren, Entwickeln und Erhitzen der positiv arbeitenden, lichtempfindlichen
Harzzusammensetzung, um eine Dehydratisierung und Cyclisierung zu bewirken,
wobei die positiv arbeitende, lichtempfindliche Harzzusammensetzung derart aufgebracht
wird, um eine Filmdicke von 0,1 bis 30 µm nach Dehydratisierung und Cyclisierung zu
erhalten.
1. Composition de résine photosensible positive
caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend 100 parties en poids d'un polyamide (A) représenté par la formule générale
(1) :

[où, X représente un groupe cyclique de 4 valences qui présente un groupe hydroxyle
ou un groupe - O - Org dans lequel Org est un groupe organique contenant 1 à 20 atomes
de carbone ; Y représente un groupe cyclique de 2 à 4 valences qui peut présenter
un groupe hydroxyle, un groupe - O - Org dans lequel Org est un groupe organique contenant
1 à 20 atomes de carbone, un groupe carboxyle ou un groupe - C(O)O - Org dans lequel
Org est un groupe organique contenant 1 à 20 atomes de carbone ; et Z représente :

(où, chacun de R
1 et de R
2 représente un groupe organique bivalent et chacun de R
3 et de R
4 représente un groupe organique monovalent) ; a et b représentent chacun une fraction
molaire ; a + b = 100 % par mole ; a = 60 % à 100 % par mole; b = 0 % à 40 % par mole)];
et de 1 à 50 parties en poids d'un matériau photosensible (B), à savoir, un ester
1,2 naphthoquinone-2-diazide-5-sulfonate ou un ester 1,2 naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonate
d'un phénol qui présente une structure d'ossature représentée par la formule (5) :
2. Composition de résine photosensible positive selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle
un polyamide (A) est représenté par la formule générale (3) :

[où, X est un groupe cyclique tétravalent ; Y représente un groupe cyclique bivalent
; Z représente :

(où, chacun de R
1 et de R
2 représente un groupe organique bivalent et chacun de R
3 et de R
4 représente un groupe organique monovalent) ; E représente un groupe aliphatique ou
un groupe cyclique qui présente au moins un groupe d'un groupe alcényle ou d'un groupe
alcynyle ; a et b représentent chacun une fraction molaire; a + b = 100 % par mole;
a = 60 % à 100 % par mole; b = 0 % à 40 % par mole ; n = 2 à 500)].
3. Composition de résine photosensible positive selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication
2, comprenant en outre de 1 à 30 parties en poids d'un phénol (C) représenté par la
formule générale (6) :

(où, chacun de R
11, R
12, R
13 et R
14 est sélectionné dans un groupe constitué par un atome d'hydrogène, un atome d'halogène,
un groupe alkyle, un groupe alkoxy et un groupe cycloalkyle, et ils peuvent être identiques
ou différents les uns des autres ; p est un nombre entier de 0 à 3 ; q est un nombre
entier de 0 à 3 ; p + q ≥ 2 ; R
15 est sélectionné dans le groupe constitué par une liaison simple, un groupe méthylène,
un groupe alkylène, un atome d'oxygène, un groupe carbonyle, un groupe éther carbonyle,
un atome de soufre, un groupe sulfonyle et un groupe azo) basé sur 100 parties en
poids d'un polyamide (A) représenté par la formule générale (1) ou par la formule
générale (3)).
6. Composition de résine photosensible positive selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle
Y dans un polyamide représenté par la formule générale (3) est sélectionné parmi les
groupes ci-dessous :

(où, chacun des R
16 est sélectionné dans un groupe constitué par un atome d'hydrogène, un groupe alkyle,
un groupe alkoxy, un groupe ester alkyle et un atome d'halogène, et ils peuvent être
identiques ou différents les uns des autres ; r est un nombre entier de 0 à 2).
7. Composition de résine photosensible positive selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle
un groupe terminal d'un polyamide représenté par la formule générale (1) est lié à
un groupe aliphatique ou à un groupe cyclique qui présente au moins un groupe d'un
groupe alcényle ou d'un groupe alcynyle.
8. Composition de résine photosensible positive selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication
2, dans laquelle un groupe terminal d'un polyamide représenté par la formule générale
(1) ou par la formule générale (3) est sélectionné parmi les groupes ci-dessous :
9. Composition de résine photosensible positive selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle
un groupe terminal d'un polyamide représenté par la formule générale (1) ou par la
formule générale (3) est sélectionné parmi les groupes ci-dessous :
10. Dispositif semi-conducteur pouvant être obtenu en utilisant la composition de résine
photosensible positive selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3.
11. Procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif semi-conducteur comprenant les étapes consistant
à :
(i) appliquer la composition de résine photosensible positive selon l'une quelconque
des revendications 1 à 3 sur un élément semi-conducteur ; et
(ii) précuire, exposer, développer et chauffer la composition de résine photosensible
positive de façon à provoquer une déshydratation et une cyclisation ;
dans lequel la composition de résine photosensible positive est appliquée de façon
à obtenir une épaisseur de film comprise entre 0,1 µm et 30 µm après la déshydratation
et la cyclisation.